The role of sensors in the new forest products industry and forest bioeconomy

Forests are a natural resource of major economic significance to Canada, contributing $13.5 billion (2006) to the Canadian economy. However, the forest products industry is essentially an export industry and must compete locally and globally. The development of new and emerging products including biofuel and biomaterial derived from woody biomass will further drive up wood costs. As such, new products and process innovation are required to reduce production costs and gain market share. In this editorial, we summarize the role of sensors and how the use of sensors could provide means for cost reduction and new product development.